It was “ground zero” as Bracknell councillors united to declare an emergency for the climate and biodiversity.

Bracknell Forest Council has committed to speeding up its efforts to tackle climate change – aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions “as close as possible” to 2030.

Councillors from every party on the council voted unanimously to back the plan, at a meeting on Wednesday, September 13.

Mike Forster, who leads the Liberal Democrat group, said: “People will look back and hopefully see this as almost a ground zero for Bracknell Forest and see how we voted in years to come.”

Conservative group leader Gareth Barnard added it was “an important, pivotal moment.” And Green Party councillor Adrian Haffegee – who helped bring the motion to the council – said: “Aiming for net zero in 2050 – that’s 27 years’ time – is way too far away.”

Plans voted for include producing a “community climate emergency strategy” to work with residents, groups and businesses on reducing emissions – and bringing in a “climate bond” where residents can buy into supporting decarbonisation projects.

And Labour council leader Mary Temperton said: “Reaching net zero by 2050 will be too late. We have to increase the pace of change.

“We cannot fail, so let’s get on with it.”